Amphetamine

A stimulant, often illegally produced and sold to addicted people. Amphetamine is a stimulant that can be used to increase wakefulness.  Amphetamine reduces fatigue and appetite. It can only be used legally with a prescription but is commonly abused recreationally. Amphetamine affects three major neurochemicals – dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Even though these neurochemicals are responsible for major systems in the brain amphetamine seems to act only on specific areas of the brain.

The areas known as the “reward system” are particularly affected by amphetamine.  Amphetamine has many physical effects – insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, anorexia, acne, hyperactivity.  High doses can lead to seizures, stroke, coma, heart failure and death. Psychological effects include racing thoughts, euphoria, sociability, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, and self-confidence